Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD 5dr Auto

Ten Second Review

Over the last few years, the Model Y has defined the way we think of Tesla in Europe, establishing a template for a business-minded electric mid-sized hatch that the mainstream brands are only just getting to grips with. Just as they have, Musk's men have introduced this considerably upgraded 'Project Juniper' design, with sleeker looks and a classier interior.

Background

The Model 3 may have been the car that brought Tesla mainstream in worldwide markets but it's hatch stablemate, the Model Y, is the car that's sold in greater numbers since its original launch in 2020. It's been produced in Europe for Europeans at the Tesla Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory since 2022 and was the world's best selling car in 2023. Even well into its initial production run, it still managed to be the U.K.'s fifth best seller in 2024. But competition is intensifying in the mid-sized EV segment and going forward, the Model Y will sit in a range also populated by the smaller Tesla Model 2. Time then for a much needed update package known during development as 'Project Juniper'. Many of the changes are similar to those made as part of the 'Project Highland' update visited upon the Model 3 in early 2024. But this updated Y gets much more distinct exterior styling. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

One of the things on Tesla's to-do list with this Model Y's 'Project Juniper' update was to improve ride quality, something that, like others, we criticised about it back in our original test of 2022. Well this enhanced design is still pretty firm, but it's not longer quite as unsettled over poorer surfaces as the original car was. That earlier 'Y' model's refinement also needed looking at, the original version more afflicted with wind noise and tyre roar than it ought to have been. And again, some useful improvements have been made, primarily with new sound-dampening materials and the introduction of acoustic glazing, which Tesla reckons has reduced road noise by 22%, impact noise by 20% and wind noise by 20%. Subjectively, the improvement doesn't feel quite as great as that - journeying quietness still isn't anything like class-leading - but it does at least now match the segment standard. Not all the changes have worked. We weren't that enamoured with the original car's rather lifeless steering and, to try and improve things, Tesla's slowed the rack down from 2 to 2.4 turns lock-to-lock. But it still remains somewhat remote in feel and rather needlessly over-sensitive, whichever of the three provided helm settings you choose ('Light', 'Standard' or 'Heavy'). The drivetrains are much as before, but the EV range figures they generate are usefully enhanced thanks to the improved aerodynamics. The base Standard Range version, which uses a 279bhp rear-mounted motor, has a 63kWh LFP battery that now takes you 311 miles between charges. Most will want the mid-level Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant, which gets a gutsier 308bhp rear axle motor to compensate for a larger 83kWh NMC battery capable of taking the car up to 387 miles between charges. The same larger battery also features in the two dual motor derivatives, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version we tried, which has a combined output of 375bhp; and the top Performance variant, which offers 365bhp and a bespoke high speed drivetrain. Obviously, there's extra weight with the dual motor format, which blunts range a bit; for the ordinary Long Range All-Wheel Drive model, it's quoted at 364 miles. As before, all variants are quite rapid. Both the single motor versions make 60mph in about five and a half seconds, a stat that the standard All-Wheel Drive model improves to 4.1s on the way to the 125mph top speed that all mainstream Model Ys share. The top Performance version manages 0-60mph in 3.3s en route to 155mph and offers 360 miles of range. All of these stats assume you select the faster of the two provided 'Acceleration' modes - 'Sport' (the other is 'Chill'). Belatedly, Tesla's also introduced brake regen settings for our market (branded here as 'Deceleration' modes). Though there are only two ('Reduced' and 'Standard') and they have to be accessed via fiddly centre screen menus, they work well via a brake-by-wire system and give good pedal feel. The other drive change you'll immediately notice is that there's now no gear selection stalk, that functionality having now been moved to the swipe option on the right side of the centre screen you get with other Teslas. Initially, you might find this awkward to use, but you'll get used to it and the system automatically selects backwards and forwards motion when you're manoeuvring at low speeds, which is useful.

Design and Build

This is a much more distinctive-looking Model Y with an exterior redesign apparently conceived to 'maximise efficiency, using every kilowatt hour more effectively'. To that end, the drag coefficient is more slippery, improved from 0.23 to 0.22Cd, keeping this as Tesla is one of the segment's sleekest cars. But the first thing you'll notice is the new-look nose, which references that on the company's avant-garde Cybertruck, hence the angular lines and the ultra-thin LED light set-up. The front bumper's been redesigned too, with more prominent side intakes and restyled surfacing. The rear is also different, now embellished with a full-width light bar. There are big 20-inch wheels and body length increases by 47mm to 4,797mm; width reduces by 1mm to 1,624mm. Inside, those familiar with the original car will notice the new steering wheel, now featuring customisable switches for quick access to frequently used vehicle functions. Just one (redesigned) stalk now protrudes from it, gear selection duties having been moved to the near end of the 15.4-inch centre screen (also improved, though it looks much the same). The Model 3 doesn't even have an indicator stalk, but this was retained for the Y because customers don't tend to like the wheel-mounted indicator buttons on the 3. The front seats have been redesigned and can now be ventilated; and, as before, there's a choice of black or white interior finishes. The new centre console now features sliding doors with precise, smooth movement, and is covered in genuine aluminium revealing both a cupholder and extra storage. In the rear, there's now an 8.4-inch touchscreen for climate functions and games. And the second-row seats also offer enhanced comfort and convenience with power-reclining, easier-to-access buckles, longer cushions, deeper bolsters, with powered recline and fold-flat operation. And out back? Well the previous seven-seat option (popular in the UK) isn't currently available on this new car. And there's a decently-sized 890-litre boot, extendable to 2,138-litres in size if you fold the rear seats. You also get a bit of extra space (88-117-litres) under the bonnet.

Market and Model

Tesla wants around £45,000 for this updated Model Y in single motor rear-driven form, or from around £49,000 for a Model Y in Long Range rear driven guise. A Model Y in Long Range All-Wheel Drive form needs around £52,000. And a Model Y Performance is around £62,000. Standard equipment includes pretty much everything you'd want, including a new 8-inch rear touchscreen, heated front and rear seats and ventilated, power-operated front seats. As before, there's 19-inch wheels, vegan leather upholstery (in black or white), a 360-degree camera system, a tinted panoramic glass roof with ultra violet/infra-red protection and a 14-speaker premium audio system. The new low-E glass reflects 26% more solar energy, helping maintain an ideal temperature when combined with the quieter, more efficient air-conditioning system.  There's been a big step forward in media connectivity, with redesigned hardware delivering 50% faster download speeds. Wi-Fi connectivity has also been greatly improved, with download speeds up to 300% faster for smoother video streaming and software updates, and a range extension of up to 200%, ensuring sustained connectivity in areas like garages and driveways. There's a significant boost in cellular performance; plus phone key performance and reliability have seen a huge improvement, thanks to the addition of Ultra-Wideband and other enhancements, which also enable automatic tailgate opening when paired with the Tesla app.  Safety continues to be a strong point. Tesla says the Model Y is designed to be the safest vehicle in its class. The low centre of gravity, rigid body structure and large crumple zones provide strong protection. Like all new Teslas, this one comes as standard with emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and more. And in future, the brand promises that the Model Y will have Full Self-Driving capability, enabling automatic driving on city streets and highways pending regulatory approval, as well as the ability to come and find you anywhere in a car park: brilliant.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV range figures in our 'Driving' section - 311 miles for the Rear-Wheel Drive models, 387 miles for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version and 364 miles for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant. As before, the Model Y DC charges at up to 250kW and, also as before, the biggest draw for ownership is Tesla's Supercharger charging network, at which you can charge at reduced rates. A 10-80% DC charge takes about 30 minutes - but a full charge from empty might take several hours, depending on the station's charging speed. As for AC charging at home, Tesla reckons that from empty to full, an 11kW wallbox would replenish both Model Y batteries in about seven and a half hours, but the 7.4kW wallbox more owners are likely to have needs 11 hours and 45 minutes. Owning a Model Y will of course be very different from owning a conventionally powered compact-to-mid-sized SUV. There'll be no fuel bills of course and servicing costs will be much smaller. The annual service fee covers an annual inspection, replacement parts like brake pads and windscreen wipers, 24 hour roadside assistance, system monitoring, remote diagnostics, software updates and new features sent through the touchscreen.

Summary

These days of course, the Model Y has a far tougher task than it had at its original launch back in 2021, but this welcome package of 'Project Juniper' updates has kept it fresh amongst more recently launched rivals. There's a more premium look inside and out and, if you haven't tried this car for some time, you'll be impressed at the more recent improvements in driving range and refinement. Not everyone likes the stripped-out cabin vibe though, so try before you buy. As ever with the brand, the biggest ownership draw remains the brand's accessible Supercharger charging network, something that no other marque can match. In short, though the competition's getting closer, you might still feel that there's nothing in the segment quite like this Tesla.